The world’s oceans are vast, and their resources are essential for survival and development. As coastal nations compete for access, international law steps in to define limits. One of the most critical concepts in this context is the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). This legal zone balances sovereign rights with global cooperation and sustainable use of marine resources.
What Is the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)?
The Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) is a sea zone extending up to 200 nautical miles from a coastal state’s baseline. It was formally defined in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), 1982. This area allows coastal states to enjoy special rights over the exploration, conservation, and use of marine resources.
Unlike territorial waters, which extend only 12 nautical miles and where states exercise full sovereignty, the EEZ gives rights over resources without granting full control over navigation or military activities.
Purpose of the EEZ
The EEZ exists to protect and regulate the economic interests of coastal nations. Countries have the authority to manage fish stocks, extract oil and gas, harness wind and wave energy, and conduct marine scientific research.
However, while coastal states have sovereign rights for exploring and exploiting natural resources in the EEZ, other countries retain the freedom of navigation and overflight. This balance is crucial in promoting peaceful maritime relations and fair use of shared waters.
Legal Framework of the EEZ
The legal foundation for the EEZ is detailed in Part V (Articles 55 to 75) of the UNCLOS. These provisions define the rights, jurisdiction, and duties of coastal states as well as the limitations imposed by international law.
The UNCLOS framework encourages conservation and sustainable practices while allowing coastal states to benefit from their proximity to oceanic resources. Any activity beyond the 200-nautical-mile limit falls under the high seas regime, where freedom for all nations prevails.
Definition and Rights in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)
Understanding the definition and rights in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) reveals how international law strikes a balance between coastal state interests and global maritime rights. Within this 200-nautical-mile area, a state enjoys control over natural resources—both living and non-living.
These rights include:
- Fishing rights
Coastal states manage and regulate fishing in the EEZ to prevent overexploitation and protect marine biodiversity. - Energy exploration
Nations can extract oil, gas, and minerals from the seabed and use ocean-based renewable energy sources. - Environmental control
States can enforce laws to prevent and control pollution and degradation of the marine environment. - Marine research
Coastal states may regulate marine scientific research to ensure sovereignty over sensitive data and natural resources.
Despite these rights, states must not infringe on the freedom of navigation, overflight, or the laying of submarine cables and pipelines, which remain open to all under international law.
Rights of Other States in the EEZ
Foreign states retain certain freedoms in another nation’s EEZ, including:
- Innocent passage
Ships can traverse through the EEZ without interfering with coastal state activities. - Military exercises
Some countries argue that military activities are allowed in the EEZ, though this is debated in international forums. - Scientific and communication operations
Activities like laying undersea cables require notification but are generally permitted.
The EEZ is, therefore, not exclusive in the absolute sense. It permits regulated international use while protecting coastal state interests.
Disputes and Challenges
Several maritime boundary disputes have arisen due to overlapping EEZ claims. These conflicts often require resolution through bilateral agreements, arbitration, or adjudication by international courts such as the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS).
Examples include:
- South China Sea Disputes: Countries like the Philippines, Vietnam, and China have conflicting claims over EEZ boundaries.
- Arctic Resource Claims: Melting ice has triggered new claims in the Arctic Ocean by nations seeking to expand EEZ zones.
Disputes typically revolve around unclear baselines, overlapping claims, and strategic interests like energy and fisheries.
Environmental and Strategic Importance
The EEZ is essential not just for economic activities but also for environmental conservation and national security.
States monitor activities in their EEZ to prevent:
- Illegal fishing
- Marine pollution
- Unauthorized extraction
- Terrorism and trafficking via maritime routes
Furthermore, EEZs host marine ecosystems that require protection for global ecological balance. This has led to the creation of marine protected areas (MPAs) within EEZs.
